Dazzling display of creativity at Teesside University

Teesside University’s world-leading animation and computer games festival Animex is combining with Sublime, the renowned annual art, design and media degree shows and ExpoTees, the annual dazzling display of portfolios from new computing graduates.

It promises to provide an abundance of attractions for visitors with big names from the games and animation industries coming together with the new talent of the future – a mix that will inspire future students and visitors alike.

The creative spectacular will be opened officially on Tuesday 23 May at 5.30pm by Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England. Darren has long argued that an excellent cultural education is the right of everyone.

Also on campus during the week is writer Rhianna Pratchett, an award-winning writer for games, comics, film and TV. She is known for her work on titles such as Heavenly Sword, Mirror’s Edge, the Overlord series and Tomb Raider.

She joins speakers such as Rob Dressel from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Richard Oud, lead animator from Guerrilla Games and games producer Chris Walter from BBC Children’s.

Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), said: 'We are delighted to welcome Darren Henley OBE to Teesside University to see our cross-disciplinary work across the Arts and Humanities, Design, Media and Digital Innovation and to launch ‘Sublime’, our showcase for the work of graduates from the School. This year, with the combination of all three high profile events there is more than ever for visitors to enjoy, explore and find inspiration in. The exhibitions and events demonstrate the talent and creativity that we nurture here and we are proud of the hardworking and gifted graduates who go on to brilliant, fulfilling careers.

'Animex is now in its eighteenth year and it has continued to grow as a world-class inclusive festival that attracts some of the brightest lights of the games and animation industry. Holding it at the same time as ExpoTees, showcasing the breadth of expertise of our final year students, alongside the imagination and creativity of Sublime really brings together a genuine melting pot of talent. I would urge as many employers and visitors to come along and enjoy the shows and displays.'

In addition, ExpoTees London is being held on 8 June at the academy award winning animation and vfx studio The Mill, providing computing students the opportunity to showcase their work in the capital and allowing companies and Teesside University alumni who weren’t able to travel to Middlesbrough, the chance to meet some of the talent emanating from the University.